South Korea, US seek alternative to joint air exercises

Monday, October 29, 2018 | 18:26:41

(VOVWORLD) - South Korea’s defense chief said on Monday that Seoul supports the US decision to suspend their major allied air combat training, seeking alternative ways to bolster the allied defense posture.

US Air Force F-16 fighter jets take part in a joint aerial drill called "Vigilant Ace" between the US and South Korea, at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, December 6, 2017 (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

In a Singapore meeting with Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis proposed indefinitely postponing the massive Vigilant ACE joint air exercise that was slated for December.

It was aimed at helping move forward denuclearization talks with North Korea and reducing the defense budget. The annual Vigilant ACE involves the participation of hundreds of aircraft, including advanced fighter jets.